This year I have spent a lot of time learning about wild foods and foraging with the girls. All spring and summer we’ve added foraged items to at least one meal a week, usually what I’ve been calling “Wild Stir-fry”. Here are some of the things we’ve been eating: Continue reading “Wildflower Jelly and Other Foraged Foods”
Category: Wild Alaska
Secret Treasures of Alaska’s Dangerous Mudflats
The Cook Inlet mudflats have been the scene of a few well-known incidents in Alaska’s history.
From helicopter’s attempting to rescue people via rope, to a newly wed gold miner who drowned as the tide came in, these true events have gained urban legend status locally. Due to the angular grains of glacial silt, the mud in the inlet behaves like quicksand. This means once disturbed, say by someone sinking in it, the grains quickly interlock and trap the unsuspecting. Few deaths have happened in recent years thanks to specialized equipment used by rescuers. This equipment includes half wet suits and portable pumps to wash away mud. Tidal channels, like those at the Turnagain and Knik arms, are the most dangerous with mud layered feet deep. Regardless of danger, many people regularly cross the mudflats to Fire Island from Anchorage between high tides. Continue reading “Secret Treasures of Alaska’s Dangerous Mudflats”
Being Bear Aware In Bear Country
Even though we live in bear country, I’ve never really been worried about the bears out here. Heck, I’m actually more worried about moose usually. They tend to be more ornery and less afraid of humans or dogs than the bears are. Before this week I’d seen two bears the whole time we’d been out here. And bear sign just a handful of times. I know they are out there, but they’ve generally avoided our place. Continue reading “Being Bear Aware In Bear Country”
Alaskan Laws That Just Make Sense
Alaska…
is by far the most interesting place I’ve lived (I’m looking at you, Texas). That said, Alaska has some customs and laws that took some getting used to. Once I’d lived here for a while, I realized those laws I found weird are necessary considering Alaska’s unique challenges. Without further ado, here are some interesting Alaskan laws that just make sense. Continue reading “Alaskan Laws That Just Make Sense”
How To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting Your Dog
Let’s talk about summer and Alaska’s mosquitoes.
Summer is the one season I don’t enjoy having an outhouse. You’d think it would be winter, but you can make a winter outhouse comfortable (blue board as a seat, for one). There’s no being comfortable in an outhouse swarming with mosquitoes and getting bit on a bare butt. This is also the season where our dogs spend the most time inside. Yes, they often sleep inside year round. But we have huskies, and they enjoy hanging out and playing in the snow. Sometimes they won’t come inside because the wood stove makes the cabin too hot for them! Continue reading “How To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting Your Dog”